MYSTIC, CT - What do young explorers, animal and nature lovers, and budding marine biologists have in common? They can all find a summer camp to suit their interests at Sea Research Foundation’s Mystic Aquarium.

Offered June through August, Mystic Aquarium’s 12 summer camps offer hands-on activities, up-close animal encounters, field trips and other fun and educational experiences for children ages 3 to 17. For younger children, the aquarium offers day camps, while older kids have the opportunity to participate in overnight programs.

To accommodate busy schedules, extended day programs for campers ages 6 to 12 are available Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sea Stars: Campers learn through hands-on experiences and animal encounters while interacting with peers and participating in fun projects. Campers also experience the great outdoors by spending time in the aquarium’s Sea School Green, an outdoor learning space specially designed for young children.

Ages 6 to 8

Aquarium Blast: Campers participate in creative activities, explore behind the scenes, make crafts, find out about the aquarium’s green efforts and meet some “crabby” friends, all while learning what makes the aquarium such a special place.

Sea Lions: Campers learn about the incredible animals and habitats found at the aquarium and in our local area. While exploring marine life, inquisitive young minds are inspired by incredible sea lions and trainers who care for them.

Water Adventures: Campers explore the world of water with hands-on activities, aquarium tours, crafts and a visit to one of our local shoreline habitats to find out what makes water so special.

Ages 9 to 12

Fishy Aquarium Science: Campers participate in creative activities, explore behind the scenes, make crafts, find out about the aquarium’s green efforts and meet some “crabby” friends, all while learning what makes the aquarium such a special place.

Aquarium World: Campers meet animal care trainers, explore behind the scenes, learn about the excitement of working at the aquarium and participate in hands-on activities. Field trips, including one to a local habitat, and unique projects enhance this animal exploration experience.

Mystic River Adventure: Back by popular demand, campers participate in an incredible joint Mystic Aquarium/Mystic Seaport summer program. While at the aquarium, campers learn about fascinating animals and habitats of the Mystic River and Long Island Sound. Then campers travel to Mystic Seaport for a daily sailing adventure. Campers must be able to swim.

Ocean Discoverer: The oceans are full of more than just animals. Campers enjoy eye-opening adventures as they investigate Titanic and other sunken ships from the past, plus learn about how wrecks are discovered and how they may have come to rest at the bottom of the ocean.

Marine Madness: Campers explore the undersea world aboard Project Oceanology’s research vessel, visit a variety of marine coastal environments and sleep overnight at Mystic Aquarium, co-sponsor of the camp. This weeklong overnight camp is held at the University of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center.

Ages 13 to 17

Aqua Camp: This camp provides hands-on experiences with the activities that marine biologists conduct every day. Participants explore behind the scenes, spend the night at the aquarium, interact with aquarium staff and, weather permitting, participate in a whale watch experience.

Invertebrate Study: This unique offering is designed to delve into the world of local marine invertebrates. Campers spend time working in the field with New England Science & Sailing exploring local animals in their natural environment before heading to Mystic Aquarium to discover invertebrates from around the world.

Photography: Ryan Donnell

Field Ecology: Join New England Science & Sailing and Mystic Aquarium for this exciting and unique program that combines all of the best aspects of field ecology. Campers explore the connections between living organisms and their environments by participating in field research projects and aquarium programming. This program is designed to give campers a taste of field work through boat and snorkel activities as well as experience in a lab setting.